“It’s a hot rod in a tuxedo!”
Is It Time to Buy a Virage?
The narrative in today’s collector car market is shifting. For analog, low-production, hand-built GTs like the Aston Martin Virage, the question isn’t if they’ll rise, it’s when. And for those paying attention, the answer may be: right now.
In June 2024, a 1991 Aston Martin Virage finished in British Racing Green crossed the virtual auction block and sold for $69,380. On the surface, that figure might seem reasonable for a lesser-known nameplate. But this wasn’t just another hand-built grand tourer. It was a numbered car, one of only 12 U.S.-delivered, left-hand-drive Virages equipped with a ZF 5-speed manual transmission. And more importantly, it was built at Newport Pagnell during the final era of truly hand-assembled Astons.
That price didn’t reflect the car’s pedigree, rarity, or long-term value. It reflected the moment: mid-2024, a documented market dip defined by high interest rates, election-year hesitation, and weak auction energy. Exceptional cars sold for less than they should have, this Virage included.
According to The Classic Valuer, the market dropped by an average of 10.2% that year. Hagerty reported valuation declines across 25.7% of tracked vehicles. Among analog, non-halo models, cars without motorsport ties or speculative hype, the dip often reached 20–25%.
This Aston sold into that dip.
And that’s exactly what makes it so compelling now.
| Detail | Claimed / Listed |
|---|---|
| Original MSRP | $241k + |
| Total Virage Production | 388-411 units worldwide |
| U.S.-Spec Cars | ~54 units |
| LHD 5-Speed Manuals | 12 units |
| Title Status | Florida Title |
| Carfax | Clean |
The Best Car No One Was Watching
The Virage was never designed to be loud. Introduced at the 1988 Birmingham Motor Show, it was Aston Martin’s attempt to modernize while preserving its gentlemanly brand DNA. It replaced the aging V8 Vantage lineup with cleaner lines, aluminum bodywork, and a new 5.3 liter V8 engine enhanced by Callaway designed cylinder heads and Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection.
Performance was solid — 330 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque, and a claimed top speed near 160 mph. But the real statement came from the craftsmanship: hand assembled in Newport Pagnell, coachbuilt in every sense, and delivered with a sense of confidence that didn’t rely on theatrics.
Despite this, the Virage remained a relatively obscure entry in Aston’s history. It didn’t carry Bond’s approval. It wasn’t tracked. It was made for a different kind of buyer. In a world drawn to noise and lap times, this car whispered.
Today, that whisper is turning into a signal.
Market Forces Now Working in Its Favor
As of Q2 2025, conditions have clearly reversed. The softening seen throughout 2024 has given way to renewed demand for analog, manual classics, though not all of the 25% market drop has been regained. Prices are trending upward, confidence has returned, and well informed buyers are once again active, especially for cars already landed in the U.S.
Several contributing factors are driving the shift:
- Tariffs on foreign vehicles: In April 2025, the U.S. announced a 25% import tariff on new and classic foreign automobiles
- EV fatigue: A growing segment of buyers are pulling away from sterile, digital performance and seeking real engagement — manual shifts, raw power, and sensory driving
- Collector behavior shift: Instead of chasing overpriced halo cars, many are targeting undervalued, low production analog classics that offer more upside and greater authenticity
Valuation Analysis –
This Virage sold in June 2024 for $69,380 — a number that says more about the market than it does about the car. We were in a correction year. Collector confidence was low, rates were high, and across the board, values dropped by as much as 25%.
That sale price included all the right ingredients: the gearbox, the color, the rarity. None of those changed — what changed was the mood of the room.
If you correct the 2024 dip, the car naturally floats to around $86,000. That’s not speculative — that’s math. And we’re not talking about the distant future either. The post election market has already begun to stabilize. As consumer confidence increases and tariffs squeeze foreign supply, demand for U.S. landed analog cars like this is ramping up.
This car is already in the U.S.
Already titled.
Already in the right spec.
And already exactly what today’s buyers are beginning to chase.
We’re not at the full rebound yet, but it’s coming. And with that recovery, this car clears $100,000 with ease. Why? Because while other classics are peaking, this one hasn’t even started.
You don’t need to factor in a premium for the manual or color. It’s already in the mix. What this car needs is market correction and time, and it’s getting both.
My Thoughts:
- Original MSRP: $241k – $300k
- 2024 sale: $69,380
- Post-correction value: ~$86,000
- With market rebound and tariff pressure: → Poised to exceed $100K
This is a numbered car — 1 of just 12 U.S.-spec, manual, left-hand-drive Virages ever produced.
One of the last hand-built Aston Martins to leave Newport Pagnell before mass production reshaped the brand.
When new, it carried an MSRP between $240,000 and $300,000 — the equivalent of roughly $550,000 to $690,000 today, adjusted for inflation.
It’s a low production, analog, gas-powered GT with a dogleg 5-speed, already titled, already landed, already rare.
As the market shifts toward electric and digital, this format doesn’t just hold value, it becomes increasingly irreplaceable.
This isn’t just a smart buy. It’s a vanishing breed, a final act of craftsmanship from a bygone era.
And in terms of experience? It’s a hot rod in a tuxedo.
Presence, power, pedigree — and one hell of a hold.
Vehicle Specifications – 1991 Aston Martin Virage
Configuration: Left Hand Drive | ZF 5 Speed Manual
Chassis: SCFCAM2S1MBL50135 | British Racing Green | 1 of 12 U.S. Manual Cars
Powertrain:
- Engine: 5.3L DOHC V8 (Hand built)
- Cylinder Heads: Callaway designed aluminum
- Fuel System: Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection
- Horsepower: 330 hp @ 5,300 rpm
- Torque: 350 lb ft @ 4,000 rpm
- Transmission: ZF 5 speed dogleg manual gearbox
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
Performance:
- 0–60 mph: ~6.5 seconds
- Top Speed: ~158 mph
Chassis & Suspension:
- Frame: Steel platform with aluminum body panels
- Front Suspension: Independent double wishbone
- Rear Suspension: De Dion axle with Watts linkage and coil springs
- Brakes: Four wheel disc brakes with ABS
- Wheels: Fikse 17″ alloy wheels
- Tires: Goodyear Eagle RS-A (255/55R17)
Interior & Finish:
- Exterior Color: British Racing Green
- Interior: Fawn and Dark Green Connolly Leather
- Trim Accents: Burl wood veneer
- Carpets: Wilton wool with green piping
- Headliner: Green Alcantara
- Steering Wheel: Leather wrapped
- Audio: Alpine AM/FM/CD stereo
- Climate Control: Fully automatic HVAC system
- Windows: Power operated
Additional Equipment:
- Included:
- Complete binder of service records
- Original tool kit
- Aston Martin literature
- Clean Carfax
- Clean Texas title
Final Thought
The 1991 Aston Martin Virage represents a perfect storm of rarity, craftsmanship, and overlooked timing. It isn’t loud. It isn’t trendy. It doesn’t beg for attention — and that’s exactly what makes it valuable.
While most analog exotics have already surged, this one is only beginning its climb.
Once the market fully recovers and tariffs further tighten the supply of imported classics, this car won’t just be an $86,000 story, it will sit comfortably north of six figures. And when that happens, those who passed on it in the $60K range won’t forget it.
Inquiries & Opportunities
After that read… is there any reason not to make a move on this?
This isn’t just a car — it’s a low-production, hand-built Aston Martin with real upside in a market turning back toward analog collectibles. Whether you’re ready to acquire it outright or explore a serious trade, I can be reached personally and directly for qualified inquiries.
— Tony Rienzi
📞 407-538-0224
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.TonyRienzi.com
(Below: Related Cars – Insight from the Broader Market)
| Make | Aston Martin |
| Model | Virage 5-Speed |
| Year | 1991 |
| VIN | SCFCAM2S1MBL50135 |
| Total Produced | (12) Manual 5-speed. |
| Mileage | TMU |
| Condition | ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Price When New | $241k – $300k Inflation Calculator |
| Highest Previous Price | $80k |
| Auction House | Bring A Trailer |
